Micro-Shelters Coming to Tacoma’s Homeless Population This Winter

The City of Tacoma is moving forward with a plan to establish an emergency micro-shelters site at Martin Luther King Jr. Way to address health and safety concerns for people suffering from homelessness this winter.

The site, located at 802 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, is expected to be completed in December. It will provide up to 22 micro-shelters and serve up to 35 individuals experiencing homelessness for up to seven months.

“I am encouraged by the efforts City staff have made to meet the commitments made at the Oct. 1 City Council meeting before amendments to the daytime park structure regulations take effect on Dec. 1,” stated Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards. “Specifically, staff have identified a solution that addresses the daytime shelter concerns by adding overnight shelter capacity that can be offered to unhoused residents at People’s Park.”

The site will provide basic human amenities, including portable toilets, garbage services, hand-washing stations, and drinking water. The property will be fenced and have 24-hour security, with on-site management.

The Council’s approval of Resolution 40488 authorized an agreement with Low Income Housing Institute to operate the temporary emergency shelter site with a budget of $388,000 from the General Fund.